Mastercard offers VR tackles ahead of Rugby World Cup

Ahead of Rugby World Cup 2019, fans got the opportunity to be professionally tackled using virtual reality.

Mastercard unveiled a first of its kind virtual reality (VR) tackle with the help of Chris Robshaw, Jason Robinson and Maggie Alphonsi.

The experience provided members of the public, who weren’t travelling to Japan, an opportunity to get closer to the game in London, by experiencing the sensation of a professional tackle, using a haptic feedback bodysuit in a full 360-virtual reality rugby experience.

The ‘Contactless Tackle’ is part of Mastercard’s worldwide partnership with Rugby World Cup 2019. Mastercard continues to look into how technology, including haptic body suits, can be used to bring people closer to rugby and sport.

Mastercard ambassador and England and Harlequins player Chris Robshaw was the first to be hit with the tech. He commented: “It’s a strange experience, being tackled by myself, never thought I’d be doing that! The Contactless Tackle is a great way to bring fans together and introduce people to rugby if they haven’t played before. The technology is amazing, and I hope it will encourage more fans to get involved with the sport.”

Additionally, participants chose which team they represented – England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales – before tacking on the tackle by one of England’s rugby stars.

Maggie Alphonsi, Mastercard ambassador also said: “As a Mastercard ambassador, I have a great opportunity to introduce more people to the sport. It’s exciting to be able to share my professional rugby experience with fans in a new way thanks to virtual reality and incredible technology. It’s also important for me to be able to encourage and inspire women across the UK to get involved with rugby – it really is a turning point for women in sport right now and I’m pumped to be a part of it.”

Jason Robinson, Mastercard ambassador and World Cup Winner said: “In my role as a Mastercard rugby ambassador I love to meet fans of the game, and to see their faces when I surprised them after the Contactless Tackle was priceless. I’m really excited for Rugby World Cup 2019TM this year, especially being in Asia for the first time – bring it on!”

Nicola Grant, head of marketing and communications, UK, Ireland, Nordics and Baltics at Mastercard, adds: “As a Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2019 TM and with our ambassadors, we hope to connect fans with their favourite sporting idols in new and unexpected ways. This experience gives fans the opportunity to get closer to the sport than ever before and feel what it’s like to play against some of the world’s great rugby players.”

Now in its eighth year of sponsorship of both the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup, Mastercard is encouraging fans of all ages to get together during the tournament to create priceless memories.